Content addressable memory device with charge sharing based selective match line precharging scheme

A content addressable memory (CAM) device, comprising:

• a cell array comprising a plurality of CAM cells, each CAM cell comprising:
• a first half CAM cell connected to a first match line;
• and
• a second half CAM cell connected to a second match line different from the first match line;
• a search line driving circuit connected to the cell array through a plurality of search lines;
• and
• a match line sensing circuit connected to the cell array through a plurality of match lines and comprising:
• a precharge unit configured to precharge the first match line in a first phase;
• a first charge sharing unit configured to electrically connect the first match line with the second match line in the first phase;
• and
• a second charge sharing unit configured to electrically connect the first match line with a bit line in a second phase after the first phase.